Wednesday, January 23, 2008

What's New in Wedding Photography

I've recently attended several bridal shows and am always perusing photographers websites for trends and ideas. And here are what I've seen as the new trends in wedding photography.

1. Available light. Gone are the days of the huge flashes and perfect lighting. The trend is moving toward softer, more natural and romantic lighting. In order for these shots to maintain quality when enlarged, a photographer needs a lens that works in low light situations. Always ask your photographer about equipment! Digital cameras tend to be a little more inconsistent in creative lighting than traditional film. A good, experienced photographer can handle low light and available light with digital or film.

2. Digital. There are very few wedding photographers left who shoot with film. I believe the reasoning for this is two fold. First, it's what brides want. In our technological society, consumers demand the latest conveniences technology can offer. On-line proofing is a perfect example. No matter how far apart your family lives, everyone can see all the wedding proofs. Curious? Try this:

http://www.imagequix.com/
In the Event Guests - View an Event box type L93A19G for Photographer ID and click Submit Select Wedding of Marta and Alex
Select Enter Proof Viewer

The second reason digital is fast becoming the industry norm is the instant confidence a photographer has that a picture turned out. This confidence with film photography comes only with experience. Photographers also like digital because of the low cost. Film, processing and proofs cost for each shot. With digital, a photographer can shoot unlimited shots without increasing material costs.

3. Digitally enhanced photographs. From adding a splash of color to a B&W photograph, to completely altering the nature of a picture, digital art can add a new dimension to wedding pictures.


4. Umbrellas? Don't ask me, I am just reporting what I see. On-line, in professional photography magazines, in wedding photographer's samples, umbrellas are everywhere. The first one I saw was unique and unexpected in a wedding photo. The result was creative and fun. However, herein lies the problem with the Internet: everyone can see an idea and copy it. At the very least, it can take an element like rain and turn it it to a photo opportunity.

1 comment:

April said...

I can provide examples of how not to take pictures in low light situations , just ask.